Chicago Bungalows: A Guide to Assessing the Unique Characteristics of this Iconic Architecture

Photo credit: ThShriver via Wikimedia The city of Chicago is known as the birthplace of modern architecture and offers some of the most forward-thinking designs of the 20th century.  One of the area’s most iconic styles, with their instantly recognizable brick exteriors and pitched roofs, Chicagoland’s bungalows present a ubiquitous architectural style across the city’s neighborhoods and beyond. Between 1910 and 1940, over 100,000 were constructed in Cook County and over 20,000 are [...]

2023-10-18T10:39:33-05:00October 18th, 2023|Home Tips|

The Hazards of Owning a Home with Concrete or Split Face Block

Chicagoland has always been a center of exciting architectural developments and has seen several building booms throughout its history. In the late 1990s, as demand for affordable residential housing skyrocketed, many single-family homes and condominium developments utilized concrete block, or its fancier cousin, split faced block. Split faced block is simply an inexpensive 16” concrete block split into two 8” pieces, each with a roughened face that resembles much more costly rock masonry. [...]

2023-06-07T10:47:49-05:00June 7th, 2023|Home Tips|

How to Prepare for A Spring Home Inspection

Spring is almost here and soon you’ll see delightfully warmer temperatures, tulips blooming along Michigan Avenue, and cherry blossoms in Jackson Park — along with possible building damage caused by Chicagoland’s brutal winter weather. It’s also the perfect time to schedule a thorough inspection of your home by a licensed and experienced professional. Regular inspections are a crucial part of maintaining the value of your property, ensuring your family stays safe, and protecting [...]

2023-03-13T11:37:34-05:00March 13th, 2023|Home Tips|

What to Expect When Buying a Historic Home

Are you dreaming of owning an elegant Victorian mansion, a Queen Anne cottage with soaring ceilings, a classic Arts & Crafts bungalow, or a stunning Mediterranean Revival residence from the roaring 20s? Chicagoland has tens of thousands of gorgeous historic places and is a fierce competitor for the title of “the architecture capital of the world.” The Oak Park community boasts more buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright than anywhere else in the [...]

2023-02-17T10:58:48-06:00February 17th, 2023|Home Tips|

The Best Air Conditioning Solution for your Space: Central Air vs The Rest

If you’re tired of sweltering and melting in your own home, join the club. Air conditioners are one of the country’s most in-demand major appliances right now. But which type of air conditioning is the most appropriate for your house? Central AC is awesome, but is it the right choice for you at this time? You’ve probably heard a lot about heat pumps — are they really more efficient than the other styles [...]

2022-09-14T10:19:18-05:00September 14th, 2022|Home Tips|

Summer Home Maintenance 101

What comes to mind when you think of summer in the Windy City? Warm weather? Trees swaying in the breeze? Going for a long walk on a peaceful evening? Enjoying a day at Wrigley Field, or listening to the tunes at Ravinia? As the days get warmer and longer and we move further away from the harsh winter months, it’s important to remember that taking on some common summer maintenance tasks can help [...]

2022-07-22T11:50:03-05:00July 22nd, 2022|Home Tips|

Home Buying Nightmares: Can A Home Inspection Save You?

Buying or selling your home can be scary — but it doesn’t have to be. Imagine purchasing a house, thinking everything is fine, and then finding out days or months later that your home needs thousands of dollars of repairs. In order to prevent any expensive, unwanted surprises in your new home, it's crucial to choose a highly qualified home inspector who knows how to uncover these dreadful home inspection nightmares before it’s [...]

2022-05-31T10:49:00-05:00April 19th, 2022|Home Tips|

The Importance of a Home Inspection in a Seller’s Market

Have you been following any news or updates about the Chicagoland real estate market? If you’re interested in buying or selling a home anytime in the near future, you’ve probably had your eyes glued to market updates and news stories. And you’re probably seeing one trend pop up again and again, no matter where you look — buyers are getting competitive, available inventory is tight, and we are firmly in a seller’s market.  [...]

2021-07-07T14:39:10-05:00July 12th, 2021|Home Tips|

Moving from the City to the Suburbs: How a Home Inspector Can Help

The pandemic has caused millions of people here in the Chicago area and around the country to reflect on how they live — and, just as importantly, where they would like to live next. If you’re among the large group considering a move from the city to the suburbs, it’s important to remember to make a home inspector part of your team. A professional home inspection is one of the best ways to [...]

2021-06-14T15:50:50-05:00June 14th, 2021|Home Tips|
Go to Top